Study: Arts had $388.2 million economic impact on Baltimore in 2010

Tim Smith, The Baltimore Sun

Arts and culture activity in the city had a $388.2 million total economic impact in 2010, according to a study released Friday by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. A previous version of the study, conducted every five years, found a $270 million impact in 2005.

The study, Arts & Economic Prosperity IV, was conducted by the nonprofit Americans for the Arts. For 2010, it identifies about $266 million in total direct expenditures by nonprofit arts and culture organizations, and about $122 million in total direct expenditures by their audiences.

The arts support the equivalent of 9,505 full-time jobs and generate more than $260 million in household income to local residents, the study shows. Through taxes, fees and other revenue sources, the arts also produce nearly $34 million in local and state government revenue.

"Baltimore is fortunate to be home to some of Maryland's premiere art museums and performing arts centers, as well as thriving communities of young and independent artists that attract people from throughout the region and world," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said in a statement.

The study, based on 2010 data gathered from 129 nonprofit organizations in the city, also calculates total annual attendance for arts and culture events in Baltimore at 7 million, up from 3.7 million in 2005.